Feinstein doubts there was 'credible threat' against Bergdahl

Senator Diane Feinstein, the Chairwoman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, expressed doubts about the administration's claims that there was a "credible threat" to Bergdahl's life if the negotiations for his release became public.Bloomberg:

“I don’t think there was a credible threat,” U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein said in an interview yesterday for Bloomberg Television’s “Political Capital with Al Hunt” airing this weekend. “I have no information that there was.”

Senators were told at a June 4 classified briefing that President Barack Obama’s administration had received indications that Bergdahl’s life could be jeopardized if the detainee exchange proceedings were disclosed or derailed, according to a government official who sought anonymity.

Feinstein, a California Democrat, is among lawmakers who criticized the administration’s decision not to adhere to a law requiring 30 days’ notice to Congress before releasing detainees from the Guantanamo Bay facility in Cuba. Prisoners from wars following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks are held there.

Bergdahl, the last remaining U.S. prisoner of war in Afghanistan, was handed to U.S. forces in eastern Afghanistan on May 31 in exchange for five Guantanamo detainees.

Feinstein said it was difficult for her to tell, based on the information she’s been provided, whether Bergdahl’s health had deteriorated to the point where his life was in serious danger without an immediate release.

“There’s no question he was debilitated,” she said. “There was no question he was under stress -- blinking rapidly, probably held in dark surroundings for a long period of time.”

“But he’ll receive very good care and recover, and I think that’s what’s important,” she added.

Officials at the June 4 briefing showed senators a video of Bergdahl in Taliban custody, provided by that group, said several senators who attended.

Several Senators who viewed the video supplied by the Taliban say the same thing. Bergdahl may have been drugged, which accounts for his slow movements and listlessness remarked on by some who have seen the recording. In the meantime, some questions:

1. Why won't the administration release information about Bergdahl's condition? All they have to do is get his permission.

2. Why hasn't the White House released all the details of the deal for the 5 Taliban?

3. Why is the administration trying to discredit the soldier's in Bergdahl's unit who, to a man, say he deserted?

Bergdahl is being treated in Germany for...something. No doubt he is weak, malnourished, and possibly depressed and exhausted. As of yesterday, Bergdahl had yet to speak to his parents. That seems incredible on the surface and may suggest the administration doesn't want to give Robert Bergdahl another chance to open his mouth until this thing starts to blow over.

The reason there is tremendous criticism of this affair is that the White House refused to come clean. They've told so many lies about the swap that no one believes them. What's the truth and what's the spin?

When you figure it out, let me know.

Senator Diane Feinstein, the Chairwoman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, expressed doubts about the administration's claims that there was a "credible threat" to Bergdahl's life if the negotiations for his release became public.

“I don’t think there was a credible threat,” U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein said in an interview yesterday for Bloomberg Television’s “Political Capital with Al Hunt” airing this weekend. “I have no information that there was.”

Senators were told at a June 4 classified briefing that President Barack Obama’s administration had received indications that Bergdahl’s life could be jeopardized if the detainee exchange proceedings were disclosed or derailed, according to a government official who sought anonymity.

Feinstein, a California Democrat, is among lawmakers who criticized the administration’s decision not to adhere to a law requiring 30 days’ notice to Congress before releasing detainees from the Guantanamo Bay facility in Cuba. Prisoners from wars following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks are held there.

Bergdahl, the last remaining U.S. prisoner of war in Afghanistan, was handed to U.S. forces in eastern Afghanistan on May 31 in exchange for five Guantanamo detainees.

Feinstein said it was difficult for her to tell, based on the information she’s been provided, whether Bergdahl’s health had deteriorated to the point where his life was in serious danger without an immediate release.

“There’s no question he was debilitated,” she said. “There was no question he was under stress -- blinking rapidly, probably held in dark surroundings for a long period of time.”

“But he’ll receive very good care and recover, and I think that’s what’s important,” she added.

Officials at the June 4 briefing showed senators a video of Bergdahl in Taliban custody, provided by that group, said several senators who attended.

Several Senators who viewed the video supplied by the Taliban say the same thing. Bergdahl may have been drugged, which accounts for his slow movements and listlessness remarked on by some who have seen the recording. In the meantime, some questions:

1. Why won't the administration release information about Bergdahl's condition? All they have to do is get his permission.

2. Why hasn't the White House released all the details of the deal for the 5 Taliban?

3. Why is the administration trying to discredit the soldier's in Bergdahl's unit who, to a man, say he deserted?

Bergdahl is being treated in Germany for...something. No doubt he is weak, malnourished, and possibly depressed and exhausted. As of yesterday, Bergdahl had yet to speak to his parents. That seems incredible on the surface and may suggest the administration doesn't want to give Robert Bergdahl another chance to open his mouth until this thing starts to blow over.

The reason there is tremendous criticism of this affair is that the White House refused to come clean. They've told so many lies about the swap that no one believes them. What's the truth and what's the spin?